The effect of number of large reward training trials on behavior following incentive reduction

Abstract

Three groups of rats were given 18 large reward, 108 large reward, or 108 small reward acquisition trials, respectively. Following acquisition all Ss received 63 small reward trials. This phase constituted an incentive reduction phase for Ss receiving large reward during acquisition. The results indicated greater disruption of performance, primarily in the start measure, during the incentive reduction phase for the Ss receiving 108 than for Ss receiving 18 large reward trials during acquisition.

The effect of prior rewarded goal box placements on incentive reduction behavior

“…The failure of incentive reduction to signifieantly disrupt run and goal speeds was paralleled in the earlier study by Davis & North (1968). On the other hand, strong disruptive effects on these speeds are usually observed following incentive withdrawal (extinction).…”

“…Arecent study by Davis & North (1968) was concemed with the effect of number of large-reward trials given before an incentivereduction phase. The results indicated that Psychon.…”